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Monday, December 19, 2011

Angel Tree Shares the Love of Christ

December 19, 2011

Part of Covenant’s vision is to IMPACT God’s kingdom. Here is how a few Covenant Groups were able
to impact families in need this Christmas.
Michelle Culley coordinated the Angel Tree program, which is a ministry
that gives gifts to children with a parent in prison. In the past, CPC has taken the traditional
approach where members individually deliver gifts to homes. This year, Michelle decided to try a different
approach; her ladies’ discipleship group invited recipient families to the
church for a Christmas party and meal as well as fun activities and a family
photo opportunity. This allowed the families to see our church
and get a taste of the ministries we offer, and by holding the party following
our church service, it encouraged the families to try out CPC. The
party option opened up multiple opportunities for several small groups to join
together for a unified “kingdom task,” said Michelle. Thirteen
families attended with thirty children.

Jonathan Culley’s men's discipleship group volunteered to set up
tables, chairs, and other prep. Michelle's group organized all the food
and mingled among the guests during lunch. As the families were coming in
to the Fellowship Hall, they were greeted by a family photo booth set up in the
foyer for family pictures in front of the Christmas tree. Once everybody
got settled in, Jonathan opened with a welcome and prayer. Pizza was served
to the kids and pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches to the adults. As everybody
was eating and socializing, other CPC volunteers joined in by mingling with the
guests. Rachel Van Buren served as the emcee for the event. Following
dinner, kids participated in various activities: decorating sugar cookies with Christmas-colored
sprinkles, bean-bag toss for prizes, etc.
Leftover food was put into containers for the guests to take home.
As they left, they came up to the gift table to receive their children's
Christmas gifts. These families seemed genuinely appreciative. One of the mothers in attendance later
sent this e-mail:

"Hi, just wanted to say thank you again.

My daughter
was very excited about her gift and with it saying ‘from Daddy’ was the
best. She was telling the family that ‘daddy knew just what I wanted.’
Also, for myself, that shredded chicken was very good. Happy Holidays to
all."

For the remaining thirteen, volunteers delivered the
remaining gifts to their homes. “It’s a
good way to put hands and feet to the Gospel,” Michelle explained. “Since these children are growing up with a
parent in prison, this ministry also acts as the “hands and feet” of the
incarcerated parent by giving gifts to the children on their behalf. It seeks to reconcile families through the
power of gifts and by pointing them to the true gift, Jesus Christ.”